“LA Made” isn’t just another local podcast; it’s a deep dive into the bedrock of Californian innovation, exploring the stories that have shaped not only Los Angeles but the world. Like the solid foundations of rock formations, these narratives are strong, enduring, and often overlooked. This podcast series, much like uncovering a rare rock specimen, reveals the untold stories of bold Californian innovators and their lasting impact.
Season 3, “LA Made: The Other Moonshot,” launches us into the stratosphere with the compelling story of three Black aerospace engineers in Los Angeles during the tumultuous 1960s. Against the backdrop of civil unrest, these unsung heroes played a pivotal role in America’s race to space. Joanne Higgins, growing up in Compton, was captivated by her godfather, Charlie Cheathem’s, tales of his Apollo mission contributions. As she matured, she realized these crucial narratives, like buried geological strata, were missing from mainstream historical accounts. “LA Made” shines a light on these men, now in their 90s, finally giving credit where it’s long overdue for their ingenuity and unwavering determination in the early Apollo days. Their stories are as foundational to space exploration as bedrock is to a mountain range, yet they remained hidden for too long.
Season 2, “LA Made: The Barbie Tapes,” delves into the fascinating origin story of Barbie, a cultural icon as recognizable as any landmark. Forget the plastic facade; this season unearths the real story from the very people who brought Barbie to life. Co-hosted by Antonia Cereijido and M.G. Lord, author of “Forever Barbie: The Unauthorized Biography of a Real Doll,” we hear never-before-heard tapes featuring Barbie inventor Ruth Handler, her innovative wardrobe designer, the talented sculptors and fabricators, and the marketing masterminds who transformed a doll into a global phenomenon. This 3-part series, premiered July 6, 2023, is like excavating a rich archaeological site, revealing layers of creativity and business acumen that built an empire.
Season 1, “LA Made: Blood, Sweat & Rockets,” takes us back to the early days of space exploration at Pasadena’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) at CalTech. This 12-episode season, guided by writer and aerospace enthusiast M.G. Lord, uncovers the hidden narrative of the “Suicide Squad” – a fearless, groundbreaking, and ambitious team who shaped our journey to outer space. Their path to triumph was far from smooth, marked by controversies involving the occult, espionage suspicions, unexpected explosions, and even a mysterious death. This season is like examining the raw, unpolished rocks that formed the foundation of rocket science, revealing a story as dramatic and compelling as any thriller.
“LA Made” is more than just a podcast; it’s an excavation of Californian innovation history. Supported by Gordon and Dona Crawford, champions of quality journalism, and made possible with support from the Committee for Greater LA in partnership with the Weingart Foundation, this podcast series provides a solid and insightful listening experience. It’s a testament to the power of untold stories, reminding us that even seemingly solid histories have hidden layers waiting to be unearthed, much like discovering a hidden gem within seemingly ordinary rock.
